For Shirley

[Doreen Peri]

I just talked to her two weeks ago.
We were going to meet up for a heart-to-heart
over dinner; drinks for me, water for her.
Today, an open casket, I wanted to jump in

and lie beside her to hug her.
I have dozens or hundreds or thousands
of friends online. I don’t know them.
They don’t know me.

She lived at my house for quite a few years.
One of my only real friends.
We decorated Christmas trees together.
Cooked meals, mowed the lawn

vacuumed the carpet. She painted my room
when I was in the hospital, thoroughly sanitized
It for my arrival home, new hip, armfuls of hugs.
She fixed my furnace a couple of times,

changed the oil in my car. I loved her, my sister,
the smartest woman in the room except for me
because she knew I was a smart girl too.
A smart ass, maybe, music on the stereo.

[sasha]

friends like that are rare
losing them is like losing a piece of yourself
I wish there were something I could say
I hope the love you shared will help you through this
peace

[goldenmyst]

Good that you have fond memories of your dear friend. Losing a best friend like her is truly a great loss. I know the feeling. When you bond with a dear friend like her it can feel like losing a sister. I have lost so many friends over the past ten years and feel your words in my heart.

John

[Doreen Peri]

Thanks Roy and John. It was a difficult day yesterday but I’m glad I went to the memorial. I appreciate your empathy, both of you. I’m having a tough time accepting that I’ll never see her again.

Welcome back to Studio8, John! It’s been a long time. Good to see you here!

[saw]

So sorry to hear this Doreen.... hope you can bathe in her light....hold on to that goodness

[mnaz]

Hugs, Doreen.